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Entry Level Software Developer Jobs in Normal, IL

Civil Engineer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$84K - $142K/yr

Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30am Description The Civil Engineer I position is an entry-level Civil Engineering ... software, and survey instruments. Projects include but are not limited to land development ...

Entry Level Software Developer information

See Normal, IL salary details

$28.8K

$98K

$236.1K

How much do entry level software developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level software developer in Normal, IL is $98,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,100.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Software Developer Do?

An entry-level software developer has simpler duties compared to more senior members of the field. At the entry level, your responsibilities are to create simple, single-thread code to achieve a specific task. These bits of code can be combined to create a larger program. You may also have to create or write a design algorithm by which you create software. However, most of the time, as an entry-level developer, you are in charge of debugging. You have to comb through the code of a piece of software to remove errors.

How to get a software developer job with no experience?

Entry-level software developer positions often require demonstrating programming skills through personal projects, internships, or coding bootcamps. Building a portfolio with projects in languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript and gaining familiarity with tools like Git can improve chances; certifications can also help validate skills for employers.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level software developer?

As an entry level software developer, you will typically be assigned to work on smaller modules or features within larger projects, often under the guidance of more experienced developers. Your daily tasks may include writing and testing code, fixing bugs, participating in code reviews, and collaborating with team members through agile sprints or regular meetings. You'll also have opportunities to learn new technologies, contribute to documentation, and gradually take on more complex responsibilities as you gain experience. This environment encourages continuous learning and close collaboration with others, helping you build both technical and teamwork skills.

Will AI replace developers in 2026?

Entry level software developers will continue to play a vital role in software creation, as AI tools are designed to assist rather than fully replace human programmers. Developing skills in coding, problem-solving, and understanding AI integration will remain valuable in the evolving tech environment. AI can automate repetitive tasks, but human oversight and creativity are essential for complex software development.

Is 30 too late to become a software developer?

Entry level software developer roles are open to individuals of all ages, and many successful developers start their careers later in life. Learning programming languages, gaining relevant skills through coding projects or certifications, and building a portfolio are key steps regardless of age.

What are entry level software developers?

Entry level software developers are professionals who are at the beginning of their software development careers. They typically have foundational knowledge of programming languages, software development methodologies, and problem-solving skills. Entry level developers work under the guidance of more experienced engineers to write code, fix bugs, and contribute to software projects. Their responsibilities often include learning new technologies, collaborating with team members, and gaining practical experience to advance in their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Software Developer, you need a solid understanding of programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, along with a relevant degree or coding bootcamp experience. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and basic knowledge of databases is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable software, collaborating with colleagues, and adapting to evolving technical requirements.

What is the difference between Entry Level Software Developer vs Junior Software Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Software DeveloperJunior Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, coding bootcamp experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, internship experience
Work EnvironmentTech companies, startups, software firmsTech companies, consulting firms, startups
Employer UsageCommonly used in job postings and industryOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Software Developer

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in computer science or related fields and some coding experience. They work in similar environments like tech companies and startups. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Junior Software Engineer' may emphasize a slightly more engineering-focused role. Overall, they represent entry-level positions for aspiring software professionals.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level software developers earn significantly less, highly experienced software engineers working in specialized fields such as quantitative trading, high-frequency trading, or senior roles at major tech companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve working with complex systems or financial markets.
What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Entry Level Software Developer jobs? Cities near Normal, IL with the most Entry Level Software Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Software Developer job openings in Normal, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $98,026 per year, or $47.1 per hour.
Lead Software Engineer - Azure Platform Engineering

Lead Software Engineer - Azure Platform Engineering

State Farm

Bloomington, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


State Farm rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 1,514 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 278 rated insurance


Job description

Overview
Being good neighbors - helping people, investing in our communities, and making the world a better place - is who we are at State Farm. It is at the core of how we operate and the reason for our success. Come join a #1 team and do some good!
HYBRID: Qualified candidates must live within a 180-mile radius of a hub location listed below and should plan to spend time working from home and some time working in the office as part of our hybrid work environment.
HUB LOCATIONS: Bloomington, IL; Richardson, TX; Dunwoody, GA; Tempe, AZ
SPONSORSHIP: Applicants for this position are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g. H-1B visa) for this opportunity.
Grow Your Skills, Grow Your Potential
Responsibilities
Adoption of the Azure Public Cloud Platform is growing, and the Azure Platform Enablement team is expanding to meet the demand. We are seeking someone who is eager to learn, collaborates extremely well with their team and stakeholders, and will contribute operationally, and strategically to mature the Azure platform.
Public Cloud experience is necessary for consideration.
Current Team Focus:
• Platform Engineering Automation - Leveraging Open Code, Service Now Integration, and platform self-service
• Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365 Infrastructure Enablement and Provisioning Automation
• Azure Windows Server and Services Enablement
• OpenAI integration
• Use Case Adoption of the Azure Public Cloud platform
• Azure Cloud Platform Control Baseline and Observability
• Maturation of platform alerting, eventing, resilience, and availability
Qualifications
Essential Technical Skills:
• Public Cloud Platforms - familiar with public cloud architecture and services.
• Information Security Principles - everything the team touches has information security implications. Understanding EISP and information security best practices is important.
• Networking - Most of the work with the Azure platform has a moderate to high degree of network complexity.
Essential Personal Skills:
• Collaboration - You will need to thrive in a work environment where you work independently in a team environment. This team addresses conflict head on, holds each other accountable, knows when to ask for help, and obsessively shares information.
• Customer Service - the bar is high for responding to customer inquiries and service tickets. In this role you are expected to provide excellent customer support AND figure out ways to avoid similar incidents in the future.
• Learning Agility - The environment is complex and demand for Azure Platform capabilities is growing - it's a challenging and rewarding space that will require ongoing personal development.
• Experience - This is not an entry-level engineering position. No consideration will be given to applicants who are not currently or have previously been a software engineer or worked in a similar role.
Our Benefits
Because work-life balance is a priority at State Farm, compensation is based on our standard 38:45-hour work week!
  • Potential starting salary range: $97,000 - $177,000
    • Starting salary will be based on skills, background, and experience
    • High end of the range limited to applicants with significant relevant experience
  • Potential yearly incentive pay up to XX% of base salary

At State Farm, we offer more than just a paycheck. Check out our suite of benefits designed to give you the flexibility you need to take care of you and your family!
  • Get Paid! On top of our competitive pay, you are eligible for an annual raise and bonus.
  • Stay Well! Focus on you and your family's health with our robust health and wellbeing programs. State Farm pays most of your healthcare premium, and we offer multiple healthcare plan options, including a high deductible plan. All medical plans provide 100% coverage for in-network preventative care, AND you and your family have access to vision, dental, telemedicine, 24/7 mental health professionals, and much more!
  • Develop and Grow! Take advantage of educational benefits like industry leading training programs, top-notch tuition assistance programs, employee resource groups, and mentoring.
  • Plan Ahead! Plan for those big moments in life with benefits like fertility/IVF/adoption assistance, college coaching, national discount programs, interactive monthly financial workshops, free financial coaching, and more. You can also start a savings account or consider financing through our State Farm Federal Credit Union!
  • Take a Little "You" Time! You will have access to our generous time off policies designed so you can plan around holidays, family events, volunteering, or just to take a relaxing day off. With the opportunity to initially earn up to 20 days annually plus parental leave, paid holidays, celebration day, life leave (40 hours/year), bereavement leave, and community service/education support days, there will be plenty of time for you!
  • Give Back! We offer several ways to give back through our Matching Gift Program, Good Neighbor Grant Program, and the Employee Assistance Fund.
  • Finish Strong! Plan for retirement using free financial advisors and a 401(k) plan with company contributions of up to 7% of your salary.

Visit our State Farm Careers page for more information on our benefits, locations, and the hiring process of joining the State Farm team!

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